The Hidden Costs of Moving in Ontario

Moving in Ontario is undoubtedly a stressful, not to mention expensive, event. Many people fail to plan their moving budgets wisely, only taking into account the estimate that their Ontario moving company provides them with initially. There are several other costs associated with moving in Ontario that you have to take into consideration when you are planning your move.

Moving Yourself vs. Hiring an Ontario Moving Company

If you are on a tight budget, you can elect the option to move yourself. Nowadays, many people opt to rent their own truck or van and take care of every aspect of their move. However, if you’re strapped for time, have lots of belongings, or are moving far away, hiring a professional Ontario mover is probably the best choice. It may cost you more to hire a mover, but you also have to take into account that you won’t be taking off as much time from work to pack and transport your belongings since the mover will take care of everything for you.

The Cost of Packing Supplies

When you are calculating the cost of your Ontario move, make sure to include the costs of packing supplies, like boxes, tape, markers, and bubble wrap. New boxes typically cost $2 each and an average-sized home with eight rooms requires more than 100 boxes in total. You can save money on the cost of packing supplies by collecting used boxes at grocery stores or liquor stores. You can also check online classified websites to look for people in your area who are giving boxes away. As a last resort, you can purchase used boxes online, which cost a fraction of what new boxes cost.

Tipping

It’s customary to tip your Ontario moving company approximately 10 to 15% of the total bill. Although it’s not absolutely required, it is also nice to buy the moving crew pizza and drinks as a way to thank them for their hard work.

Insurance

Check if your current homeowner’s insurance policy would cover your move. If not, you will have to calculate the costs of purchasing additional insurance coverage. It pays to get additional insurance, so you can be compensated in the event that some of your items are lost or damaged.

Transit Costs for Long-Distance Moves

If you are making a long-distance move, you will have to budget for the costs of your transportation, meals, and lodging. Furthermore, some Ontario movers may tack fuel and transportation surcharges onto your bill for long-distance moves. You also have to consider that once you arrive at your new home, it will take a while for you to get settled in and unpack your kitchen appliances and utensils. As such, you’ll probably have to spend money on eating out for the first few days after your move.

Hidden Charges

There are many hidden charges in addition to those laid out in your moving estimate, so make sure to get all the details from your Ontario mover beforehand. Some extra charges you should anticipate include additional fees for the transport of large, awkwardly shaped items or the transport of items to or from a building that’s difficult to access. An example of the latter situation is when a building is very far from the parking lot where the moving truck is parked or if there is no elevator and the movers must carry furniture up flights of stairs.